







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Hmm.. yes, I need mushrooms, stock, celery... | |
| That's why you have a headache now! | |
| He's a... Sorry Mike, what do you do? | |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | |
| No worries, it's free for you today. | |
| Ah, I can't eat the breast, it's too dry for me! | |
| I'm really sorry to hear that, mate! | |
| There are some vending machines in the station. | |
| Sorry, I forgot to tell you, you need to turn the tap on very gently. | |
| So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
| Alright, I think I know who he is... | |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | |
| What kind of music do you like the most? | |
| Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |
| My lovely wife always tells me how good your spring rolls are. | |
| I like some Jamiroquai songs, but not all of them. | |
| There is a little market near the school. | |
| They are both okay for me. | |
| I'm so sorry, but we need to cancel our meeting today. | |
| Nope, it gives me a headache! | |